worth
more to the world than all the art and wisdom of the Greeks. But the
result of the struggle was an even greater scorn on the part of the
Hebrews for all men who were not Jews.

STUDY TOPICS

1. Read Esther 9. 5, 11-16. What kind of patriotism does this passage
express?

2. Compare the following laws in Deuteronomy: 10. 18-19 and 14. 21.
Can you explain the inconsistency?

3. What national characteristics do hatred and contempt of other
nations lead to?

4. What is the danger from continually hurling bad names at
foreigners, such as "Greasers," "Chinks," and so on?

CHAPTER XXVI

A BROAD-MINDED AND NOBLE PATRIOTISM

In spite of all their prejudice, thinking Jews could not help but see
that the Greeks, in spite of their heathen religion, had brought with
them many of the blessings of civilization. Many articles of everyday
comfort were introduced into Canaan for the first time by the Greeks,
for example, new varieties of food, such as pumpkins, vinegar,
asparagus, and various kinds of cheese. From the Greeks also the Jews
learned to preserve fish by salting them. This made possible the
splendid fishing business by the Sea of Galilee. In the time of Jesus
we find this lake surrounded by flourishing towns. Most of the men in
these towns supported themselves and their families by fishing. The
fish were salted and the salt fish sold in the inland towns. They were
even exported to foreign countries. The Greeks probably also
introduced poultry and hens' eggs to the farmers and housewives of
Canaan.

=New articles of dress and furniture.=--These same newcomers brought
with them a greater variety of fabrics and garments, such as Cilician
goat's-hair cloth, out of which coarse cloaks and curtains, as well as
tents, were made; also felt for hats and sandals. The Greeks also
introduced the custom of carrying handkerchiefs. Many new kinds of
household utensils came into Jewish homes as a result of the example
of their Greek associates, for example, arm chairs, mirrors, table
cloths, plates, and cups. Hemp and hempen cords and ropes came from
the Greeks. From this same source came the custom of placing food at
meals on dining tables, like ours, while the diners, unlike ourselves,
lay on couches with their heads toward the table. It may also have
been the Greeks--although possibly it was the Persians--who first
brought coined money into Canaan, so that in making each purchase it
was not necessary to weigh